Priority Health gets endorsement from governor

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) A Grand Rapids-based health insurance provider has been chosen as the benchmark plan by the State of Michigan.

Last week, Governor Rick Snyder chose Priority Health as the plan that all the others should try to meet for 2014 when part of the Affordable Care Act goes into effect.

"First of all, its good news for us," said Vice President of Product and market Development, Gene Cronin.

Gov. Snyder recently sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that names Priority's HMO product as the benchmark plan for Michigan. "What it means to Michiganders is that companies that operate in the Michigan exchange are going to strive to meet the quality, benefits, and affordability that Priority has demonstrated throughout its history."

The "exchange" is a group of providers that will offer health plans that meet certain benefits and cost standards. Each state has to pick one plan that will serve as a reference plan. Cronin says the price is still being worked out. "This is really just about the comprehensiveness of the plan and design of the coverage." The plan has to have ten essential health benefits, like emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, preventative care, and prescription drugs.

"They are not required to choose us, but we think that again, that because we've been identified as benchmark, it's a great reason to choose priority health."